Infirmitas

Epilogue: Amor Vincit Omnia

"Okay. Sorry."

"You don't have to apologize."

"Okay. Thank you, hyung."

"How's everything?"

"How's Jin hyung?"

He paused. Jin hyung and Yoongi hyung has gone distant since last year. After Jin hyung forced him out of the group to retire. He never came back even when Jin hyung asked, and indirectly begged, him to be his right-hand again. He realized that what he did was just a spur of the moment. But Yoongi hyung liked it better outside the world of mafia. Besides, he'll be able to be with Jimin. Jin hyung still doesn't like him. That's why he considered his decision as Yoongi hyung choosing Jimin over him. That's why he's still sour. By the way, Tae was right. Jimin is not the warmest. He's actually cold. I guess the warmth in his body is exclusively for Yoongi hyung.

"He's fine. He was here last night. He drank with Hobi hyung and Namjoon hyung."

"Hobi told me about Namjoon's plea."

"You think Jin hyung will take it? I want him out of being a mafia too."

"It's not that easy. Remember when you asked him before?"

"But there are no Parks and Sons anymore."

"The moment Jin hyung leaves, other groups will try to ascend. It will endanger the other members. He considers them as family too. Besides, once he retires, he will be powerless. He won't be able to protect you."

"Jin hyung will grow old there?" If he grows old.

"That's just the way it is."

"Why, you and Jimin?"

"There's a reason why we go from place to place."

"Namjoon hyung would have to decide if he'll accept him as he is."

"How about Jin hyung and Taehyung?"

"Jin hyung is still closed off and Tae is...prideful."

"But it's a miracle that you can put them in the same room."

"It's our wedding. They have to be in the same room."

"Hobi said the handshake was tense."

"Yeah. Tae offered his nonexistent hand."

Yoongi hyung guffawed. "That rascal."

"But they'll get along. I know that they'll get along someday."

"How's the youngest town's mayor?"

"He's great. Hobi hyung is always great. The strawberry farm he initiated is ready for full operation."

"Taehyung acting proper as the farm's boss?"

"He is. Too bossy."

"I am not bossy!" A bossy person shouted from inside the trailer.

"Oh. I have to go. The police is here."

"What?"

"We're the victims. Not the criminal. Someone stole our motorbike. I have to go."

"Okay. Take care."

"Talk to you later."

I kicked and swung higher. Bam came running.

"Where have you been? You're chasing frogs again?"

Taehyung came out of the trailer. Bam ran and greeted him.

"Do you want me to give you a push?" He asked as he walked closer.

I shook my head and pat the space beside me. He lied down and rested his head on my lap. I combed his damp hair with my fingers. He poked my face with his stump.

"Stop."

He didn't stop. I restrained his arm.

"What did he say?"

"We're not allowed to do it anymore."

His eyes widened. "What?"

"Just kidding."

He sat up and sandwiched my torso between his legs. "You think you're funny, huh?"

We laughed.

"But seriously, you're fine?"

"I'm fine." I slapped his thigh.

He looked at my head somberly. 

"Do you get flashbacks whenever you see your scar?"

"Flashbacks of what?"

"That day."

I faced him and placed my legs above his.

"No. All I think when I look at it is the fact that I was almost dead. And that I'm lucky to have lived through."

He smiled. "You remember what you told me about my scars?"

I nodded. I remember. Of all the things I still can't recall, I'm glad I remembered that.

"It's a reminder of what you survived."

He kissed the side of my head.

"What do you remember when you look at your arm?"

His eyes quickly brimmed.

"I only recall being desperately scared."

I rubbed his eyes and wiped his cheeks.

"Let it be a remembrance of your love." I kissed his arm. "A reminder of what you did for me."

I leaned in and sealed his lips. And smiled at him after. He pulled me by the back of my head and gave my forehead a gentle kiss. We held each other close while staring at the swaying dandelions and surrounded by their puffs dancing with the wind.

Love is full of contradictions. It makes you happy and makes you sad. It can offer shelter but can also bring a storm. It makes you warm inside but also make you shiver. Sometimes it is as soft as a cloud. Sometimes as hard as steel. It heightens your emotions but dulls your senses. It brings out both the best and the worst in a person. Love is a weakness. It makes you vulnerable. It can be used as a threat. But it is also salvation. It makes us resilient. To be able to hope. To feel confident. To fight. Love is strength. 

♦♦♦END♦♦♦